EU introduces stricter safety requirements for children’s toys

On Thursday, April 10, EU institutions agreed to introduce stricter safety requirements for toy manufacturers and sellers, banning chemicals that pose risks to children’s health. The new rules update the previous ones in the 2009 Toy Safety Directive, restricting the use of hazardous substances in toys manufactured or sold in the EU. They ban chemicals that can cause cancer, alter DNA, or harm reproductive organs, as well as respiratory sensitisers and PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” Most toys treated with biocides, which are used to protect people and animals against harmful organisms, are also banned, except those meant to stay outdoors. The new rules also limit the use of preservatives and prohibit fragrance allergens in toys intended for children under three years old.
Krzysztof Paszyk, Polish Minister for Economic Development and Technology, hailed the new regulation, saying that children’s safety must always come first and EU institutions must remain vigilant, adapting their safety standards to “emerging risks.” Before introducing a toy on the European market, manufacturers will be required to carry out safety assessments for all potential risks, including chemical, electrical, and radioactivity hazards.